Kankakee Area Career Center

Automotive Technology Program Information

KACC's Automotive Technology students will learn to verify customer concerns, diagnose problems, and properly repair vehicles. Students will learn simple skills like oil changes and light repairs to the more complicated electronic diagnosis and drivability areas.

Students apply what they have learned in their classrooms to our full-service automotive lab, experiencing the day-to-day responsibilities of a technician. Students also learn computer-based shop manuals, critical thinking, and traditional mechanical skills. Class time is approximately 50% in the classroom and 50% in the full-service auto shop.

Review the Automotive Technology sections below:

College Credits

Industry Certifications

Requirements & Costs

Career Opportunities

Personal Qualities

Schoolwide KACC Training

Questions on Automotive Technology? Contact KACC Today!

Automotive Technology College Credits*

KACC's Automotive Technology curriculum has been designed to include college-level material each year. Students completing two years in this program can earn credits at either Kankakee Community College or Prairie State College.

* Dual College Credits are subject to change (last reviewed Sep 2023). Please email KACC for more information.

Kankakee Community College
AUTO 2243: Alignment, Steering and Suspension - 3 Credit Hours
AUTO 1021: Service Shop Operations - 1 Credit Hour
AUTO 1073: Ignition and Electrical 1 - 3 Credit Hours
Prairie State College
AUTO 101: Basic Automobile Service & Systems - 3 Credit Hours

Automotive Technology Industry Certifications*

* Industry certifications are subject to change (last reviewed Sep 2023). Please email KACC for more information.

ASE Student Certification: Students can take the National Automotive Student Skills Standard Assessment (NASSA), the foundation for the ASE Student Certification Program. The NASSA is integral to an ASE-recognized pathway for new technicians entering and building their professional careers.
Ford ACE Certification: Safety, MLR, Brakes, Steering Suspension and Alignment
Ford ACE Certification: Safety, MLR, Engines, and Electrical
SP2 Safety Certificate
Electude Course MLR, Multiple Disciplines
My Career Tech Certification - Shop and Personal Safety
My Career Tech Certification - Basic Hand Tools
My Career Tech Certification - Fastening Tools
My Career Tech Certification - Measuring Tools
My Career Tech Certification - Power Tools
My Career Tech Certification - Specialty Tools
My Career Tech Certification - Shop Equipment
My Career Tech Certification - Motor Oil
My Career Tech Certification - Brakes
My Career Tech Certification - Wheels and Tires
NC3 Certs Snap-On 525 Digital Volt Ohm Meter Certification
NC3 Certs Snap-On Pro Cut Brake Lathe Certification

Automotive Technology Requirements & Costs*

* Requirements & Costs are subject to change (last reviewed Sep 2023). Please email KACC for more information.

Auto I: Class fee is $30 (includes the cost of Auto Tech Shirt, tread-depth gauge, tire-pressure gauge, and tool pouch)

Auto II: Class fee $20-(T-shirt-Safety Goggles)

Appropriate shoes/boots and clothing; i.e., work pants or blue jeans (NO SHORTS or Nylon Pajama Pants) Baggy clothes will not be permitted.

Safety glasses (first pair provided)

Pencil/Pen

Pocket Flashlight

Binder with loose-leaf paper

Automotive Technology Career Opportunities

Several career opportunities exist for students who complete the Automotive Technology program. Here are a few examples.

Auto Repair Specialists

Transmission Mechanics

Shop Manager

Tune-Up Mechanics

Service Station Attendants

Automotive Parts Person

Automotive Technology Personal Qualities

Students can enhance their experience in the Automotive Technology program by possessing the following key personal qualities.

Follow directions

Work independently

Hand-eye coordination

Problem-solving ability

Medium physical activity

Use tools and equipment of the trade

Schoolwide KACC Training

Significant benefits are available to students who remain focused and diligent at KACC. The staff at KACC enjoys supporting our youth in achieving their dreams beyond high school. We have established the following to assist our community to flourish post-high school years. Please review our Workplace Excellence Badges, Career Coaching, and Specific Benefits Gained Through KACC sections below.

KACC Workplace Excellence Soft/Essential Skill Badges Earned

ADAPTability	COMMUNICATIONability
DEPENDability	REASONability
PRESENTability	WORKability
SUITability	TRANSITIONability
RESPECTability	WRITEability

Super Badge: Solidifying collective competency in all of the above areas

KACC Career Coaching

Online Portfolio

Cover Letter

Introduction Letter

Resume

Reference Letters

LinkedIn Profile

Interviewing Skills

Career Exploration

Financial Planning

Scholarship Essay Writing

Specific Benefits Gained Through KACC

2 Year CTE Diploma - Recognizing students who attended KACC for 2 consecutive years
- Received an Attendance of 90% or higher
- Received a "B" Average or better (1st year entirety, and at least the first 3 semesters of the 2nd year)
- Received competency (90% or higher) in employability skills, and
- Received a Workplace Excellence Super Badge

KACC Student Advisory Committee

SkillsUSA participation and recognition on state and national levels & scholarships offered

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) qualification & scholarships offered

KACC Scholarships are offered to all KACC Seniors who apply

Hands-on experiences through KACC class and internship opportunities through established connections to business and industry through KACC

Classes taught by those who have succeeded in the jobs they represent

Positive referrals and evaluations from KACC teachers about work students have completed while at KACC further student engagement to showcase their skills.